Fear of the Dark - Introduction

Fear of the Dark is one of Iron Maiden’s most famous songs, released in 1992 on the album of the same name. Written by bassist Steve Harris, it explores the fear of darkness and the unknown. The song starts slow and eerie, then explodes into fast, heavy riffs. It became a fan favorite, especially in live shows where the crowd sings along.

The lyrics describe the creeping fear of being alone in the dark, where every shadow feels threatening. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals and the twin-guitar harmonies make it unforgettable. The song’s structure is dynamic; starting quiet, building tension, then bursting into full energy. It remains one of their most-streamed tracks today.

Fear of the Dark Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down the song’s F major to D minor shifts. The intro uses clean arpeggios (F - C - Dm - Bb) before the heavy riff kicks in. The main riff is in D minor, played with palm muting for a tight sound. The tempo starts at 80 BPM but speeds up later.

The verse has a chugging rhythm (D5 - C5 - Bb5), while the chorus opens up with power chords (F5 - C5 - D5 - Bb5). The solos use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#), giving them a dark, dramatic feel. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—two guitars play different but matching melodies.

For the solos, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#). This scale gives the leads their dramatic, almost classical sound. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—one guitar plays a melody while the other plays a matching part at a different pitch. These harmonies use intervals of thirds and sixths to create that classic Iron Maiden sound.

The bridge section before the final chorus has a rhythm part with quick chord changes. Here, you switch between D5 - F5 - C5 - Bb5 in rapid succession. The key is to keep your palm muting consistent while moving between chords. The song ends with a repeat of the intro arpeggios.

Beginners should start by learning the power chord shapes and the galloping rhythm pattern. Practice the palm muting to get that tight, punchy sound. Intermediate players can work on the twin-guitar harmonies—try recording one part and playing the other over it. Advanced players should focus on the vibrato and bends in the solos, which need to be precise to match the original recording.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does Iron Maiden use for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE), though they sometimes play it half-step down live.

Q. How do I play the rhythm correctly?

Use downstrokes on the main beats and upstrokes in between (down-down-up). Start slow with a metronome.

Q. Why does the solo sound so dramatic?

It uses the D harmonic minor scale, which has a raised 7th note (C# instead of C natural).

Q. Can I play this song on a single guitar?

Yes, but you’ll miss the harmonies. Try recording one guitar part and playing the other over.

Introduction

Wake Me Up When September Ends is one of the most iconic songs from the American punk rock band Green Day. It is the fourth single from their seventh studio album, American Idiot, which was released in 2004. The lead vocalist Armstrong, wrote the lyrics of this song after his father's death in September 1982.

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Open chords. The song is played in the key of G, and there is no need for a capo. 

Chorus Variation: The chorus of the song is pretty short, and the guitar chords used in it are similar to those of the verse. 

Strumming Pattern 

The entirety of the song follows the same strumming pattern: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up. (DUDUDU)

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this section, J.J. Pattishall will explain the key you need to play the song in.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how and why the guitar instructor has broken down this song into several different parts. This particular section will show you how to play the guitar parts of the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. 

Rhythm: Here, you will learn the open chords used to provide backing rhythm to the verse and chorus of the song. 

Song Demo: Right here, after showing you how to play all the different chords for this song, J.J. Pattishall will show you how to play the guitar alongside the song. 

Solo Lesson: This is the last part, where you learn how to play the epic solo from the song. 

Introduction:

The Final Countdown is the iconic song of Swedish rock band Europe which was released in 1986. The song was written by lead singer Joey Tempest. 

Strumming Pattern 

This song has a mix of palm-muting rhythm, open strumming, and melodic lead parts. The common strumming pattern which you can follow for this song is D D D D D D D D . 

Make sure to keep your strokes short and control them using palm muting. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this section your guitar instructor Mike Walker is going to teach you how to tune your guitar in order to use it for the song. 

Intro Parts: In this part of the guitar lesson your guitar instructor is going to show you how to play the synth part which comes in the intro of the song. 

Song Arrangement Part 1: This section shows how you should be playing the verse section of the song and you will be playing these particular chords twice in the song. 

Song Arrangement Part 2: Here, Mike shows you how to play the interlude, which is present in the song and is played alongside crash symbols. 

Song Demo: This is the part where Mike Walke shows you how to play the guitar parts with the backing track. 

Main Motif: This is the section where you will learn how to play the iconic motif, which 

makes the song so memorable and classic. 

Solo Lesson: Mike shares his knowledge of how you should be playing the harmonic solo of 

this song in addition to the guitar chords. 

Harmony Solo: This particular guitar part is played above the arpeggios section of the song. 

Why Learn Final Countdown Song On Guitar By Europe Song?

Final Countdown is more than just a rock song, it's a rock anthem which has an instantly recognizable melody which is played at the beginning of the song. 

The main keyboard riff can be easily played on guitar and learning it will help you practice lead techniques. The intro and the verse are great for learning melodic playing which is used a lot of time in rock music. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Why is the Final Countdown so Famous? 

Ans. The song reached number spot in 25 different countries, it is Europe’s only top 10 hit to this day. In addition to this, it is the band's most popular song of all time, the song which made the band famous all over the world. 

Q2. What is the original BPM of the Final Countdown?

Ans. Final Countdown has a somber tune to it, as a result, the tempo of the song lies in 118 BPM. You can also use a half-time tempo at 59 BPM, or double-time it at 236 BPM. 

Q3. Who is Europe's lead singer?

Ans. Joey Tempest is the lead singer of the rock band Europe. 

Q4. How many hits did Europe have?

Ans. Europe has 20 albums in the Billboard 200 charts, including The Final Countdown and Out Of This World. In addition to this, they have three songs in the top 30 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. 

Fun Fact: The lyrics of the song were written after getting inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” The song was only intended to be a concert opener, but it became the band’s best song of all time.

Welcome to the guitar lesson on The Sound of Silence, one of the most haunting and powerful songs ever written. Released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1964, the song didn’t make waves at first. It quietly existed on their debut album until producer Tom Wilson decided to give it a second life by adding electric instruments to the original acoustic track. Without even telling Paul Simon or Art Garfunkel, he released this new version in 1965, and it became an instant hit. It shot to No.1 on the Billboard charts and launched Simon & Garfunkel into the spotlight.

The song's opening line — “Hello darkness, my old friend” — has become a symbol for loneliness, reflection, and the strange comfort we sometimes find in silence. The lyrics talk about people living in a world full of noise but no real connection, “talking without speaking, hearing without listening.” There’s a spiritual emptiness to the world the song describes, and that’s what makes it timeless. 

The Sound of Silence – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, Steve Luciano teaches you how to play a gentle and stripped-down acoustic version of The Sound of Silence that captures the soul of the original. The song is originally in the key of E-flat minor, but we simplify that by placing a capo on the 5th fret and playing in the key of A minor. This makes it accessible and comfortable to play without losing the depth of the song. 

The chords in this version include Am, Asus2, G, Gsus2, C, F, and Fsus2 — a mix of minor and suspended chords. If you're not sure what suspended chords are, just think of them as a version of a normal chord that adds a little tension or openness. For example, Asus2 is just A minor with the second note of the scale instead of the third. It creates a soft, unresolved feeling.

The rhythm of the song is slow, and you’re encouraged to let the notes ring out. The strumming pattern is subtle, with light down and up strokes that follow the vocal phrasing. Steve also covers some of the picking that gives this song its texture. You’ll learn how to add small variations using simple fingerpicking techniques to give your version some character. The lesson is very much about feeling the song, not just playing the right chords. 

FAQs

Q1. What level of guitar player is this lesson for?

Ans. This version is great for beginner to intermediate players. If you can play basic open chords and use a capo, you’re ready to start learning this.

Q2. What tuning should I use for this version of the song?

Ans. Standard tuning (E A D G B e), with a capo on the 5th fret to match the original key.

Q3. What’s the deal with suspended chords like Asus2 and Fsus2?

Ans. Suspended chords replace the third with the second scale degree note that gives the chord an airy or unresolved sound. 

Introduction:

The Philosopher song was originally written by Monty Python and composed by Eric Idle. The Florida-based death metal band Death covered the song in their fifth studio album, Individual Thought Patterns, which was released in 1993. 

The Philosopher has been described as one of the more accessible cuts from Death’s later music catalog, and for some fans, it is their biggest hit to this day. 

In this video lesson Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song The Philosopher as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Tapping Piece, Verse, Prechorus, and Chorus, Solo Rhythm and Post Solo Rhythm Sections, Main Solo, Ending Solo Improv and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Song Structure:

Introduction: This is going to be the introduction to the song, the band, and the tune that you will be learning in this guitar lesson. Bobby describes this guitar song as pretty straightforward and not that technical to begin with. 

Intro Tapping Piece: The intro of the song starts with a two-hand tapping part, along with other undertone notes, all of which you will learn in this part.

Verse, Pre-chorus, and Chorus: Here, you will learn how to play the famous guitar riff that makes the song memorable. 

Solo Rhythm and Post Solo Rhythm Sections: This section explains how to play the riffs below Chuck’s solo. 

Main Solo: Here is the main solo of the song, which is in the key of A minor. Bobby will also help you get accustomed to that one lick, which moves pretty fast. 

Ending Solo Improv: This part of the guitar lesson builds your confidence in how you should improvise at the end of Chuck's solo and adds bits of your tunes as well. 

Song Demo: This is the final part. Here, your guitar instructor will play the entire guitar section of the song alongside the backing track. 

In this video lesson Ashish Noel John teaches how to play the song Stay as part of our Guitar series on English song lessons. The song lesson is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythms, Improvisation, Song Arrangement, and Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

The Dave Matthews Band has produced American Baby, which is considered to be one of the best songs to capture an idiosyncratic rhythmic style. This isn’t a technically demanding song, as it does not include complex chord shapes; the foundation of the song rests on the familiarity of open chords. 

Why Learn the American Baby Song By the Matthews Band On Guitar?

This guitar lesson does well to highlight Matthew's percussive strumming, which is also the heartbeat of the song. Likewise, you will be replicating the bounce created by the offbeat Matthews. 

In terms of technicality, this song lesson places a lot on open-string voicings and the use of partial chord shapes, which makes the song unique. Here you will be learning how to play textbook chords, instead of using chord shapes that make the open strings ring against fretted notes, thus resulting in a more lush and shimmering texture that defines the acoustic brilliance of this song. 

FAQs – American Baby Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which tuning is good to play the song American Baby on guitar? 

Ans. You can easily play this song in a standard tuning, which is (E A D G B E). It’s an alternate tuning where the string notes are different from standard; this is used to create new voicings for chords along with resonances. Furthermore, by using the alternate tuning, the song becomes quite easy for you to play. 

Q2. Which type of guitar is best suited to play the song American Baby? 

Ans. The acoustic guitar does a perfect job, since Dave prefers acoustic over electric, and he also writes and performs this song using an acoustic guitar. In addition to this, the rhythm you need to learn for this song requires you to master percussive strumming and open chords. If you wish, you can play this song using an electric guitar as well, but you will be missing out on the fullness that is quintessential for this song. To be able to achieve the fullness of an acoustic guitar, you have to layer it with effects. 

Q3. What should be my strumming pattern when I am playing American Baby by Dave Matthews Band?

Ans. You need to use 4/4 syncopation. Also, when playing this song, you have to keep in mind the accenting of offbeats and use muted downstrokes for better dynamics. 

Q4. How do I capture the groove of the song American Baby while playing it on guitar?

Ans. After learning the chords, strumming patterns, and other crucial aspects of the song from this lesson, we believe you will catch the groove automatically. However, in case you are still missing out, don’t sweat it; use a metronome and practice playing the required chords slowly, focusing on accenting the upstrokes on the off-beat. 

Introduction

Hello is a song by Lionel Richie, an American singer and songwriter. It was the third single from his second studio album, Can’t Slow Down, which was released in 1983. This song had a total of three guitarists: Darrell Jones, Tim Ray, and Louis Shelton, who played electric and acoustic guitar, respectively. 

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Hello as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Advanced Voicing and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming patterns are: D D U U D U. 

Song Structure 

Here is the song structure which you need to follow to learn Hello by Lionel Richie:

Introduction: This is the start of the lesson, during which Steve Luciano, your instructor, will explain all the technicalities you will encounter during the learning stage of this song. 

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn all the chords necessary to play this song. 

Song Demo: In this section, Steve will play the guitar part of the song alongside the track to help you understand how to sync chords with the vocals. 

Advanced Voicing: For individuals who can play advanced chords, this particular section is for them. It is the bonus of the lesson to make your guitar play more intricately.

Solo Lesson: In this section, you'll learn how to play the slow part of the song — a beautiful example of an instrumental pop solo, the kind that's rarely highlighted in mainstream pop music.

Money Talks by AC/DC is a powerful hard rock track that captures the band’s signature blend of blues-inspired riffs, tight rhythm guitar, and raw energy. Released in 1990, the song is a great choice for guitarists looking to explore Angus Young’s straightforward yet impactful playing style.

This guitar lesson by Mike Walker captures the true essence of AC/DC’s signature raw energy, while making sure that it is accessible for every guitarist, no matter where they are in their guitar learning journey. It’s a great lesson for individuals who are looking to learn the iconic Angus Young’s straightforward yet effective riffing style. 

For intermediate guitar players, this is a perfect entry point for learning AC/DC’s catalog, and advanced players can truly mimic and appreciate the subtle nuances of groove and tone that made AC/DC so famous. 

Why Learn Money Talks By AC/DC Song On Guitar?

This song lesson is broken down into core components, starting with the opening riff, the verse groove, the driving chorus and finally the hooky transition that helps you in framing Angus Young’s rhythm style. Mike emphasises the tight right-hand work and staccato attack performed by Angus Young for this song. 

The way Mike explained the working of guitar riff, chord progression and other crucial aspects of guitar playing for this song makes the lesson easy to follow, thus ensuring every viewer grasps not just what chords they need to play but how each chord should sound to match the blues-rooted rock context that AC/DC followed for this song. 

It’s a highly approachable song for intermediate guitar players, for beginners who haven’t touched the catalog of rock songs. This might be a difficult place to begin with, as the song requires timing nuances while keeping the consistent energy. 

FAQs – Money Talks By AC/DC Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. In which key is the song Money Talks by AC/DC present? 

Ans. The song is present in the key of G major, and to practice this song, you need to use standard tuning (E A D G B E). 

Q2. Which of the guitar techniques do I need to master for the song Money Talks by AC/DC? 

Ans. Both power chords and open chords are the backbone for producing the rhythm, palm muting, syncopated strumming, hammer-ons, slides and double stops for a blues-rock feel. 

Q3. Is the song Money Talks by AC/DC difficult to learn?

Ans. This guitar song is geared towards intermediate guitar players; beginners can play the chords that are part of this song, but they have to practice a lot in order to match the required timing and staccato groove. 

Q4. What are some of the main practice tips for the guitar song lesson Money Talks by AC/DC? 

Ans. Make sure you focus on tight strumming and master staccato energy while keeping the rhythm accurate. 

Don’t run through the basics; start slow, internalise groove and transitions before working on the tempo. 

Listen to the song as you practice it to find the variations and slight differences in different timings. 

Introduction

Ironic is the song by Canadian singer and songwriter Alanis Morissette. It was the third single from her 1995 studio album, Jagged Little Pill. 

In this video lesson Amy May teaches how to play the song Ironic as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chords, Rhythm, and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: You will use open chords for this song. 

Chorus Variation: D G D E-minor are the chords you will use when playing chorus variation. 

Strumming Pattern 

This song has lots of repetition, making it easier for new guitar players to learn and play. The strumming pattern varies throughout the song, but for the most part, you will be playing:

Down-Down Up-Down Up-Down

Song Structure 

Chords, Rhythm, and Song Demo: This guitar lesson has only one section. Your instructor is Amy May, who will show you how to play specific chords for this song using a capo on the 4th fret. The tuning note for this song is Low-E. 

Why Learn This Song?

For six straight weeks, this song remained on top of the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, making it the second most successful song of the year in Canada. In addition to this, Ironic reached the top five spots in Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. This is a pretty catchy song, and once you start listening to it, you will be humming it day in and day out. 

Tips To Improve Guitar Playing: 

• When playing any chord, use one finger for one chord. 
• Always keep your thumb behind the middle finger and halfway down the neck. 
• You must understand that to become a better guitarist, you first need to be a better musician. 

There are a few folk-rock songs which were able to capture the emotions and simplicity like Stubborn Love from The Lumineers. For guitar lovers, this is more than just a song lesson; it’s a way to showcase how simplicity should carry feeling. 

At first glance, you might think the song relies heavily on straightforward progression, where you have to use open chords and uncomplicated structures. Yet hidden in the simplicity lies the brilliance; it teaches beginners that even simple chords, when played with accuracy, can result in profound musical moments. 

The Heart Of The Song Lesson

It’s the rhythmic drive which is steady and almost feels hypnotic, and as you play this song, it will slowly evolve, you will learn how to keep the time while controlling dynamics, strumming softer in verses and then putting all your energy when the chorus comes in. It might be subtle, but it's an invaluable skill which separates you from being a mechanical guitar player to a soulful, expressive performer. 

Why Learn Stubborn Love By The Lumineers Song On Guitar?

To play this song on guitar, you just need to learn open guitar chords such as C, Am, G, and F/Fmaj7. Apart from this, if you wish, you can also attach a capo on the 5th fret to change the pitch of familiar open chords. 

As chords are quite simple to play, you can easily sing them while strumming your guitar; thus, it’s a great song for performing live. 

FAQs – Stubborn Love Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which guitar type should work perfectly to play the song “Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers?

Ans. The best guitar to play this song is a steel-string acoustic guitar; these types of guitars are specifically designed for enhancing the folk-rock feel. If you go with a dreadnought or jumbo body, you will be getting more projection, but with the use of a smaller body guitar, you can increase the acoustic intimacy. 

Q2. Should I be using a pick or my fingers for strumming “Stubborn Love?”

Ans. In the original recording of the song, guitarist Wesley Schultz uses a pick to bring out the crip attack on strings. As a result, if you wish to create a similar tone, you should try picking. On the other hand, for a softer and organic feel, use your fingers only. Make sure to try both to see which one sounds better when you play it. 

Q3. Does the song “Stubborn Love” help me in rhythm training?  

Ans. The repetitive strumming pattern of the song makes it one of the best songs to practice volume control and locking into a groove of a song.